Leave it to Hagel

Senator Chuck Hagel talked about Lebanon on the Senate floor on Monday:

"How do we realistically believe that a continuation of the systematic destruction of an American friend, the country and people of Lebanon, is going to enhance America’s image and give us the trust and credibility to lead a lasting and sustained peace effort in the Middle East? The sickening slaughter on both sides must end now. President Bush must call for an immediate cease fire. This madness must stop."

"The President must publicly decry the slaughter and work toward an immediate cease fire. The UN Security Council should urgently adopt a new binding resolution that provides a comprehensive political, security and economic framework for Lebanon, Israel and region – a framework that begins with the immediate cessation of violence."

"America must listen carefully to its friends and partners in the region. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and others – countries that understand the Middle East far better than we do – must commit to help resolve today’s crisis and be active partners in helping realize the already agreed-upon two-state solution."

Compare that to, say:
Biden, 7/19: "As bad as the situation looks, there is an opportunity for an outcome that weakens the extremists and bolsters the moderates. The Israeli military campaign must be complemented by an American-led diplomatic strategy."

Most of the Dems have either been awful or silent.

Feingold was a tiny bit better (7/25): "I support Israel's right to defend itself against Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations. As ground operations are conducted in Lebanon, Israel should use as much restraint as possible and do all it can to protect the lives of innocent civilians. The escalating situation is all the more reason for the U.S. to become more engaged by appointing a high level special envoy to the region - someone like Colin Powell or James Baker - who can engage in aggressive diplomatic efforts to find a solution to this conflict."

But as far as I can tell, Hagel remains alone among Senators in calling for a cease-fire.